Ebook: Romans: Empire and Resistance: An Introduction and Study Guide

Sze-ker Wan examines the political ramifications and importance of Paul’s last and longest letter. Wan emphasises Paul’s Jewish identity and argues that he aimed for internal reform in his own tradition and faith rather than inciting revolution and creating a sectarian group, while also selecting symbols and titles from his own ancestral tradition to personify Jesus as a king that stood in direction opposition to the position of the Roman Emperor.
Moving from an analysis of Romans, its congregation and its purpose, Wan explores readings of the letter that include the perception of the ideal Israel, the peaceable Israel, the possibility of God’s abandonment and the character of the new community currently being built. He additionally discusses theological themes found within the letter, such as good news, faith and belief and eschatology, while also analysing Romans 13 via the theme of resistance, and in context of societies such as Nazi Germany and the contemporary United States. Wan gives readers new perspective on the defiance woven into Paul’s message, and greater understanding of how the text can fuel defiance of an oppressive regime.